From 1 April 2025, we will charge additional council tax premiums on second and empty homes to encourage homeowners to bring empty and second homes back into use to benefit residents looking for a local home and boost the local community by helping to eradicate empty and decaying properties. We are however committed to supporting residents experiencing exceptional hardship, allowing them to apply for relief from the additional charges in certain circumstances - find out more.

Second and empty homes

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Empty homes charges
Second homes charges
Our empty homes policy

From 1 April 2025, we will charge additional council tax premiums on second and empty homes to encourage homeowners to bring empty and second homes back into use to:

benefit residents looking for a local home.
boost the local community by helping to eradicate empty and decaying properties.

We are however committed to supporting residents experiencing exceptional hardship, allowing them to apply for relief from the additional charges in certain circumstances.

We also have powers to bring empty homes back into use, particularly when they are causing community concern - find out more.

This section details the charges, reliefs and how to apply.